Why Chico Clients Choose Oakview
- Specialists in Butte County’s hardest placements: wildfire non-renewals, the California FAIR Plan, and companion DIC policies, not just access to them
- We track which carriers are still actively writing homeowners coverage by Chico zip code in 2026, and which have paused
- 808+ verified five-star Google reviews, voted Best Agent, Best Agency, and Best Customer Service multiple years running
- Hands-on Camp Fire and Paradise rebuild experience, including properties with prior fire claims and new construction valuation
- CSU Chico landlord and student rental property specialists
- Senior and retirement insurance for Chico’s growing 55+ population
- AFIS and Nationwide Farm Certified agents and Butte County Farm Bureau membership for Butte County agricultural operations
- Bilingual service available. Hablamos Español.
- Not a call center. You work with a real, dedicated advisor.
Wildfire, FAIR Plan, and Non-Renewal Insurance in Chico and Butte County
Wildfire availability is the defining insurance issue in Chico, and the 2026 market is the tightest it has been. If you have received a non-renewal notice, you are not alone and you are not out of options. This is the core of what we do.
Here is where the market stands. State Farm stopped writing new homeowners policies in California in May 2023 and had non-renewed roughly 30,000 homeowners and 42,000 commercial apartment policies statewide by early 2024. Allstate quietly paused new home and condo applications back in late 2022. Farmers capped new policies at around 7,000 a month in 2023, though it has signaled plans to write more in high-risk zones starting in 2026. Across the board, seven of California’s twelve largest insurers have paused or restricted homeowners business. For a Chico homeowner, that means fewer doors to knock on and more complexity behind each one.
As an independent agency that specializes in these placements, we identify which carriers are still actively writing in your specific Butte County zip code, and we are experienced in pairing a California FAIR Plan policy with a companion Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy to cover the gaps the FAIR Plan leaves open.
What every Chico homeowner should understand about wildfire coverage in 2026:
- The FAIR Plan has become the only option for more than 668,000 California homeowners and has requested a 35.8% rate increase for 2026, with new brush-clearing inspection rules and waiting periods
- The FAIR Plan provides basic fire coverage only. It does not include liability, theft, or water damage, which is exactly what a companion DIC policy is for
- Many carriers write to a zip-code quota. Once they hit capacity in your area, they stop, regardless of how well your individual property is maintained
- Your fire protection class and defensible space affect both insurability and price, and the state’s Safer from Wildfires program now requires carriers to offer mitigation discounts. We help document that work so it counts
- AB 888 created a state wildfire mitigation grant program for improvements like fire-safe roofing and zone-zero clearance. Documentation matters for both the grant and your policy
- Dwelling replacement cost must reflect current construction costs, which have climbed more than 33 percent over the past five years
- If a guest house or ADU has cooking facilities, the FAIR Plan requires a separate policy for it
Living in a high-fire area and holding a non-renewal notice? Call us at (530) 674-5054. For full details, visit our Butte County High Fire Insurance page.
Camp Fire Survivors and Paradise Rebuild Insurance
The 2018 Camp Fire displaced more than 50,000 residents from Paradise, Concow, Magalia, and surrounding communities, many of whom relocated to Chico. Whether you are rebuilding in Paradise, insuring a new Chico home after displacement, or navigating coverage for a property with prior fire claims, we have worked with Camp Fire-affected clients through every stage.
We help Camp Fire survivors and Paradise-area property owners with:
- Homeowners coverage for rebuilt or new construction in high-risk zones
- FAIR Plan enrollment paired with a companion DIC policy
- Coverage for properties with prior fire claims on record
- Replacement cost reviews so a new build is valued correctly from day one
- Renters insurance for displaced residents now living in Chico
New Construction and Post-Rebuild Home Insurance in Chico
New construction around Chico has grown with rebuild activity and population growth. Replacement cost has to be set accurately from the start, and builder-issued policies at closing are often minimum-limit products that leave owners underinsured on day one. You are not required to use a builder-preferred or lender-preferred provider. We review coverage independently before or at closing, value the build with code-upgrade coverage in mind, and coordinate properties that straddle high-fire and standard-risk zones, including builders risk during active construction.
Home Insurance in Chico, CA
Beyond wildfire, Chico homeowners deal with aging housing stock in established neighborhoods near Bidwell Park, proximity to agricultural operations, and replacement costs that have outpaced older policy limits by a wide margin. We help Chico homeowners carry coverage that reflects what it would actually cost to rebuild today.
We serve homeowners throughout Chico and the surrounding communities, including California Park, Meriam Park, Nob Hill, Barber, Little Chico Creek Estates, Heritage Oaks, Canyon Oaks, Aspen Glen, The Avenues, North Campus, Forest Ranch, Cohasset, and Nord.
Earthquake and Flood Coverage in Chico
Standard California homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage. The California Earthquake Authority offers earthquake coverage that can be added through an independent agent. They also exclude flood. While Chico is not in a major flood plain, properties near Lindo Channel, Little Chico Creek, and lower-lying parts of Butte County carry real flood exposure in wet years. Flood coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood carrier, and most flood policies carry a 30-day waiting period, so it is not coverage to put off. For more, see our homeowners insurance page and flood insurance page.
Insurance for Seniors and Retirement Communities in Chico
Chico has a substantial and growing retirement-age population, with senior living communities throughout the city including areas near California Park and Enloe Medical Center. Seniors face a distinct set of insurance questions, and we help Chico’s retirement community work through them.
Common conversations we have with Chico seniors include:
- Homeowners reviews to make sure limits reflect current replacement costs
- Options for fixed-income homeowners in high-fire Butte County zip codes, including FAIR Plan enrollment and companion coverage
- Auto reviews for drivers in or near retirement, including low-mileage discounts and right-sizing coverage
- Umbrella liability for seniors with accumulated assets
- Renters insurance for seniors in assisted or independent living
- Life insurance reviews for coverage needs in retirement
If you or a family member are sorting out insurance in retirement, we are glad to review your current coverage with no pressure and no obligation.
Landlord and Rental Property Insurance in Chico, CA
Chico is home to California State University, Chico, one of the largest CSU campuses in the state with more than 17,000 students. That makes Chico one of the most active rental markets in Northern California. A standard homeowners policy does not cover landlord exposure, and student rentals carry a specific risk profile that needs coverage built for how rentals actually operate.
We help Chico landlords with:
- Landlord insurance for single-family rentals, duplexes, and multi-unit properties near CSU Chico
- Student rental liability coverage for the higher-wear, higher-turnover profile of student housing
- Loss of rents coverage when a property becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss
- Short-term and vacation rental coverage for Airbnb and VRBO properties
- Umbrella policies for landlords with multiple Chico properties
- Coverage for older Chico housing stock with aging systems or knob-and-tube wiring
- Wildfire coverage for rentals in higher-risk Butte County zip codes
See our landlord and rental property insurance page for more.
Auto Insurance in Chico, CA
From the Highway 99 corridor to Skyway Road toward Paradise and the rural back roads of Butte County, Chico drivers face a range of conditions and commutes. We compare rates across dozens of carriers so you are not overpaying, and we check that your coverage actually protects you when something goes wrong.
We help Chico drivers with personal auto for commuters, students, and retirees, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, multi-vehicle household discounts, commercial auto for business owners and contractors, and coverage for CSU Chico students on a parent’s policy or their own. See our auto insurance page for more.
Business Insurance in Chico, CA
From downtown Chico retailers and restaurants to healthcare practices, contractors, and tech businesses, we help Chico business owners build commercial programs that fit how the business actually runs. We cover general liability, commercial property, business auto, workers compensation, professional liability, and cyber. If you run a business in Chico or Butte County, we are glad to review your current coverage and flag any gaps. Start with our small business insurance and commercial insurance pages.
Farm and Agriculture Coverage in the Chico Area
Butte County agriculture, from almond and walnut orchards to rice, olives, and huller and dryer operations, carries its own set of exposures. We handle farm and agribusiness coverage on a dedicated page built for exactly that, with AFIS and Nationwide Farm Certified agents and Butte County Farm Bureau membership behind it. If you farm or run an ag operation in or around Chico, start on our Chico farm and agriculture insurance page.
Why an Independent Agent Makes a Difference in Butte County
A captive agent, such as State Farm, Farmers, or Allstate, represents one company. If that company has paused or non-renewed in your area, your options end there. In Butte County that is not academic: State Farm stopped writing new homeowners coverage in 2023 and has non-renewed and raised rates since, Allstate has not written new home policies in California since late 2022, and Farmers has been limited on new business. If your captive agent’s carrier cannot help, they have nowhere else to send you. As an independent agency that specializes in hard Butte County placements, we work the full market and the FAIR Plan, and we do it for the cases other agents send away.
Insurance Options for Chico and Butte County, CA
We help Chico residents, landlords, and business owners with a full range of personal and commercial insurance:
- Homeowners insurance
- Auto insurance
- Renters insurance
- Mobile and manufactured home insurance
- California FAIR Plan and high fire insurance
- Flood insurance
- Umbrella and excess liability
- Life insurance
- RV, boat, and recreational vehicle insurance
- Landlord and rental property insurance
- Small business insurance
- General liability insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Commercial and business insurance
- Workers compensation
- Contractor insurance
- Group health and employee benefits
- Farm and agriculture insurance
Serving Chico and Surrounding Butte County Communities
In addition to Chico, Oakview Insurance Services serves families, landlords, and businesses throughout the region, including Paradise, Magalia, Durham, Oroville, Forest Ranch, Cohasset, Nord, and the surrounding Butte County communities. We serve Chico zip codes 95926, 95928, 95973, and 95976, along with Paradise 95969, Magalia 95954, Durham 95938, and Oroville 95965 and 95966.
For local business resources and community connections, the Chico Chamber of Commerce is a great starting point.
Serving the Chico, CA Area
Servicio en Español — Seguros en Chico, CA
En Oakview Insurance Services, ofrecemos servicio en español para las familias y los negocios de Chico y el condado de Butte. Ya sea seguro de auto, seguro de hogar, seguro contra incendios y el plan FAIR Plan de California, o seguro de negocio, estamos aquí para ayudarle a encontrar la cobertura correcta al precio correcto.
Llámenos al (530) 674-5054 o complete el formulario en línea. Hablamos español y estamos listos para servirle.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Oakview Insurance Services has earned 808+ verified five-star Google reviews from clients throughout Chico and Butte County, including homeowners navigating non-renewals, landlords near CSU Chico, Camp Fire survivors, and business owners. Clients tell us they appreciate working with advisors who understand Butte County’s specific risks, shop the market honestly, and show up when they need help most.
Read what our clients say on Google and see why Chico-area families and landlords trust Oakview with their coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions — Chico Insurance
Can you help Chico homeowners find insurance after a non-renewal notice?
Yes. This is one of the most common conversations we have with Butte County homeowners, and it is a placement we specialize in. We identify which carriers are still actively writing in your specific zip code, and if standard options are unavailable we help you navigate the California FAIR Plan and pair it with a companion DIC policy to fill the gaps. See our Butte County High Fire Insurance page for full details.
Do you help Camp Fire survivors and Paradise homeowners with insurance?
Yes. We have worked with Camp Fire-affected clients through rebuilds, new Chico home purchases, FAIR Plan enrollment, and coverage for properties with prior fire claims on record. If you were displaced or are rebuilding in Paradise, Magalia, or Concow, we know the specific challenges these situations present.
Can a State Farm, Allstate, or Farmers agent help me if I have been non-renewed?
Generally, no. Captive agents represent one company. Allstate has not written new home policies in California since late 2022, and State Farm stopped writing new homeowners business in 2023 and has non-renewed since. As an independent agency, we have access to the carriers still writing in Butte County, plus the FAIR Plan.
What is the California FAIR Plan and do I need it?
The FAIR Plan is the state’s insurer of last resort for properties that cannot get standard coverage due to wildfire risk. It provides basic fire coverage only, with no liability, water damage, or theft, which is why a companion DIC policy matters. It is now the only option for more than 668,000 California homeowners. Not everyone needs it, but in parts of Butte County it has become a realistic path after non-renewal. We review your specific address to help you understand your options.
Can you help Chico landlords with student rental properties near CSU Chico?
Yes. We help Chico landlords with rental coverage for single-family homes, duplexes, multi-unit properties, and student housing near CSU Chico, including landlord liability, loss of rents, and short-term rental options. A standard homeowners policy does not cover landlord exposure, so renting without a landlord-specific policy usually leaves a gap.
Do you offer insurance for seniors and retirement community residents in Chico?
Yes. We help Chico seniors with homeowners reviews, FAIR Plan navigation for fixed-income homeowners in high-fire areas, auto coverage right-sizing, umbrella liability, and renters insurance for those in assisted or independent living.
Do I need earthquake insurance in Chico?
Standard California homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage. Chico is not in a high-seismic zone like the Bay Area, but earthquake risk exists statewide. The California Earthquake Authority offers coverage that can be added through an independent agent, and whether it makes sense depends on your home’s age, construction, and situation.
Can I get flood insurance in Chico?
Yes. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. Properties near Lindo Channel, Little Chico Creek, and lower-elevation parts of Butte County can carry real flood exposure in wet years. Flood coverage is available through the NFIP or private carriers, and most policies have a 30-day waiting period, so do not delay if you are in a flood-prone area.
Do you handle farm and agriculture insurance near Chico?
Yes. Farm and agribusiness coverage is handled on our dedicated Chico farm and agriculture insurance page, built around Butte County crops, orchards, hullers, equipment, and labor, with AFIS certified agents and Butte County Farm Bureau membership behind it.
What is the difference between an independent broker and a captive agent in Chico?
A captive agent such as State Farm, Farmers, or Allstate can only offer one company’s products. As an independent agency, Oakview works with 100+ A-rated carriers and the FAIR Plan, and recommends coverage based on your situation. In Butte County, where wildfire affects availability across the board, full-market access plus FAIR Plan specialization is what gets hard cases placed.
Do you offer Spanish-language service in Chico?
Yes. We offer bilingual service in English and Spanish for Chico-area families and business owners. Llámenos al (530) 674-5054.
How do I get an insurance quote in Chico, CA?
Call our office at (530) 674-5054 or complete the form on this page. We respond promptly, take time to understand your situation, and give you honest coverage recommendations with no pressure.